PRESS RELEASE
COPBSMI CELEBRATES WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY, URGES JOURNALISTS TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR
Coalition of Online Publishers, Bloggers, and Social Media Influencers, COPBSMI, today, being World Press Freedom Day, celebrates the critical role the press has played in promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy.
COPBSMI maintained that freedom of the press is very essential to the proper functioning of a democratic society, therefore, salutes the tireless efforts of Journalists and media workers who risk their lives to bring out news, especially exclusive stories that help to shape society positively.
The organization observed that many Journalists have been subjected to inhuman treatment, some are killed, some are behind bars, while others have received threats from those who feel insecure about their reportage.
However, the organization called for the protection of the press, unconditional release of those behind bars, and urged those who are in the business of threatening Journalists to henceforth cease such unwholesome actions as the press is the conscience of the society.
“Freedom of the press is non-negotiable. We must make it a deliberate policy to safeguard Journalists so that they can do their work without fear or favour”.
While charging Journalists not to be tired of playing their role as the watchdog of society, and by the detection of the law, COPBSMI calls for the protection of the press by all, especially government agencies and security operatives.
“We salute the tireless efforts of Journalists and media workers who risk their lives to bring out news that helps to shape our society positively. Journalists should not be tired of playing their role as the watchdog of society. No Journalist should work or live in fear and intimidation. They must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities effectively because, without the press, our society will be in shambles.”
